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CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Discussion and Approval of City Council Mobility Subcommittee’s Recommendation for a One-Year Pilot Program for Robotic Personal Delivery Devices in Culver City; and (2) Authorization to Finalize Implementation Documents, including Service Operator User Agreement and Administrative Operating Regulations and Procedures.
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Meeting Date: August 10, 2026
Contact/Dept: Alicia Ide/Public Works Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5618
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [X] No [ ]
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: E-Mail via GovDelivery: Meetings and Agendas - City Council (08/05/2026)
Department Approval: Sean Singletary, EPO Manager (on behalf of Yanni Demitri, Director of Public Works) (08/05/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) discuss and approve a one-year pilot program for robotic personal delivery devices (“PDDs”) in Culver City, as recommended by the City Council’s Standing Mobility Subcommittee (Mayor Puza and Vice Mayor Fish) (“Subcommittee”); and (2) authorize Public Works staff and the City Attorney’s Office to finalize implementation documents for the program, including a Service Operator User Agreement and Administrative Operating Regulations and Procedures.
BACKGROUND
Service Description
Personal Delivery Devices (“PDDs”) are fully autonomous and/or semi-autonomous sidewalk delivery robots used by businesses for “last-mile” connections. PDDs deliver commodities from commercial entities, generally restaurants, convenience shops, and grocery stores, to either residences or other commercial entities, usually within a 2-mile radius from a provider to the customer. These low-speed devices (generally <5 mph) are deployed in the public right-of-way, traversing sidewalks and crossing streets, and require well-maintained roadways, curb ramps, and sidewalks to operate. The robots are designed to navigate safely in areas with high pedestrian activity and signalized intersections. PDDs have safety features and a full suite of sensors, including cameras, that ensure they can operate safely in a multitude of situations.
PDDs are currently operating in neighboring jurisdictions, including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood. Operators execute agreements with delivery platforms that serve individual businesses, as well as directly with businesses.
Remotely-piloted devices and self-driving robots provide an alternative to automobile-based delivery of food and goods for short distances. These battery-powered devices can reduce automobile traffic congestion, avoid parking challenges associated with pickup and delivery, and reduce air pollution by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, deliveries are typically faster, which can boost small businesses by improving customer experience.
Background Timeline
On September 28, 2021, Coco Delivery (<https://www.cocodelivery.com/>) presented their business operations to the Subcommittee, introducing themselves and requesting permission to operate in Culver City at a future time. Coco had begun pilot operations in Santa Monica.
In early 2024, staff spoke to Santa Monica staff who expressed they have had no issues of significance regarding Coco’s devices and had approved the ongoing operation of their service throughout Santa Monica with a few geographic restrictions.
Coco then returned to the Subcommittee on April 11, 2024, requesting to begin operations in Culver City. By that time, Coco had expanded operations into Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas. The Subcommittee requested specific information about geographic delivery locations.
At the August 20, 2025 meeting of the Subcommittee, Serve Robotics (<https://www.serverobotics.com/>) presented their business operations, introducing themselves and requesting permission to operate in Culver City. At that time, Serve was operating in four major metropolitan areas and in multiple cities in the region, including in West Hollywood. Coco Delivery was also invited and attended this meeting.
The Subcommittee recommended allowing operations of PDDs in Culver City as a pilot program and requested the program be presented to the full City Council for consideration.
The introduction of robotic personal delivery devices was presented to the full City Council at the November 10, 2025 meeting. Council expressed both support and concerns about the implementation of these devices in the City. The Council directed staff to continue with development of regulations for a one-year pilot program and return to the Subcommittee for review and recommendation.
In early 2026, the City reached out to staff in West Hollywood, who expressed that they have had no significant issues to report with their program. They also provided advice on administering the program and shared their regulations. Santa Monica had also previously shared their ordinance and regulations.
The Subcommittee discussed this item at the May 12, 2026 meeting. Both Coco and Serve were in attendance to answer questions about operations. Staff presented a list of considerations for regulation, particularly concerns that had been discussed at the City Council meeting. The Subcommittee recommends to the City Council moving forward with establishing a pilot program with established Administrative Regulations and Procedures that could be amended as circumstances change and issues arise.
The Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) does not prohibit PDD operations in the City. While the CCMC prohibits offsite advertising as a land use, the City Council could authorize advertising on PDDs.
DISCUSSION
Both Coco Delivery and Serve Robotics are requesting to deploy in Culver City, at the earliest opportunity. Although they request citywide access, they plan to focus operations in and around the commercial corridors, such as along Washington, Sepulveda, and Culver Boulevards and adjacent neighborhoods, so long as sidewalks and curb ramps are adequate for the devices to operate. Both companies have offered to share mapping with the City.
Service Operator User Agreement
Staff proposes to integrate a standard Service Operator User Agreement with the Business License process. This process will allow staff to balance having oversight of the program while also creating a streamlined process to ensure resources are being used wisely.
The Service Operator User Agreement that each robotic personal delivery device operator will be required to sign includes, but is not limited to, the following terms and conditions. Public Works staff will work with the City Attorney’s Office to finalize the terms and conditions of the standard agreement prior to implementing the program.
• Purpose, which is to establish policies, rules and procedures for the program.
• Key definitions.
• One-year operating term.
• Program requirements and procedures, such as:
o Obtaining a business license
o Complying with the City’s insurance requirements
o Obtaining a Street Use Permit issued by Public Works
o Payment of all required fees
o Conferring with various departments in the City to discuss and ensure the operator understands the requirements of the agreement.
• Compliance with adopted administrative regulations governing device operation (see Attachment 1).
• Program-related costs, including:
o Business license fee
o Annual business taxes
o Permit administrative fee paid at the time of application and annually (if program is renewed)
o Advertising revenue profit-sharing
o Assessments for any damaged City property
o Fine and penalties for operating violations.
• Data and privacy restrictions to protect personally identifiable information (PII), including security standards for encrypting financial transaction information.
• Prohibition of the sharing of information, including the recordings, gathered by the devices during operation.
• Insurance and indemnification.
• Advertising regulations and revenue sharing.
• Termination by City at any time with notice to operator.
Regulation Components
After comparative research of neighboring cities that already utilize these devices and discussion at the May 12, 2026 Subcommittee meeting, staff has prepared draft Administrative Regulations and Procedures (Attachment 1) that may be imposed as part of the program. Staff is seeking Council direction as to these regulations and will work with the City Attorney’s Office to finalize these regulations and procedures consistent with Council direction prior to implementation of the program. Further, these regulations and procedures contemplate administrative amendments to allow for changes to the program. At the end of the pilot program, staff will analyze the success of the program and propose any changes prior to adopting the permanent program. It is anticipated that enforcement of the regulations will be complaint driven.
Time Frame
If City Council approves moving this pilot program forward, it is anticipated that staff will implement the program in the last quarter of calendar year 2026. The pilot program will be a one-year period. Near the end of the pilot program, staff will return to Council with evaluations and to receive direction regarding approval of ongoing operations.
FISCAL IMPACT
Business License fees will be collected upon application and Administrative Fees will be applied at the time of the User Agreement.
If the City Council does not choose to prohibit advertisements on the devices, and if ongoing operations are approved following the trial period, then a revenue sharing option can be negotiated for advertising.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-08-10-ATT-Administrative Regulations and Procedures
recommended action
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Discuss and approve a one-year pilot program for robotic personal delivery devices in Culver City, as recommended by the City Council’s Standing Mobility Subcommittee; and
2. Authorize Public Works staff and the City Attorney’s Office to finalize implementation documents for the program, including a Service Operator User Agreement and Administrative Operating Regulations and Procedures.